Can't open an Excel workbook while vba is running in another

**dbiggied** · 06-22-2012, 02:02 PM

If I have an open workbook running some vba code, it doesn't tie my computer up...I can check my email or copy files or whatever...but I can't open or manipulate another Excel workbook. Is there a way to run vba in Excel without it tying up the ability to open a separate workbook?

**Russell Dawson** · 06-22-2012, 03:07 PM

Had a similar experience at my last workplace. Some files that were thrust upon us had VB and totally screwed up the operation of more important work (my w/s!). We never did get a solution other than closing the offender down.

**dbiggied** · 06-24-2012, 08:13 PM

Unfortunately, in this case, the "offender" is my own process...I was just hoping there was some way around it...I don't really like not being able to do anything else in Excel while I have an automated process running for an hour.

**Medpack** · 06-24-2012, 08:47 PM

You can use control + pause break to halt active code - Then open your workbook, then resume your code - Only issue of course though is if your automation requires any active windows, etc, and/or would be impacted (coding wise) by having any other workbooks open. Not to mention, if you're running something that is taking a hour - it is more than likely eating up your excel resources and you would a see performance impact.

You could also just open another instance of excel using createobject() and just have 2 instances of Excel (I haven't tested that, but with 2 separate instances you should be able to run code in one and then whatever else you want in the other).